40 Inspiring Facts About Kamala Harris' Life and Legacy

Kamala Harris is a trailblazing political figure who made history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected Vice President of the United States.

Her journey in public service is marked by numerous achievements, challenges, and inspiring moments.

Here are 40 interesting facts about Kamala Harris that highlight her personal life, career, and political accomplishments.

Early Life and Family Background

Birth and Heritage: Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. She is the daughter of an Indian mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and a Jamaican father, Donald Harris.
Name Meaning: Her first name, Kamala, means “lotus” in Sanskrit and is another name for the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and wisdom.
Parents’ Professions: Her mother, Shyamala, was a breast cancer researcher, and her father, Donald, is an emeritus professor of economics at Stanford University.
Early Activism: Kamala’s mother was actively involved in the civil rights movement, and Kamala and her sister, Maya, were often taken to protests and community meetings.
International Roots: Kamala spent her early childhood in Berkeley, California, but she also lived in Montreal, Canada, during her teenage years due to her mother’s work.
Sister’s Influence: Kamala’s sister, Maya Harris, is a lawyer, public policy advocate, and political analyst. She played a significant role in Kamala’s presidential campaign.
Heritage Pride: Kamala has often spoken about her pride in her Indian and Jamaican heritage, celebrating both cultures and their impact on her life.
Connection to India: Kamala’s grandfather was a high-ranking government official in India, and her grandmother was an activist who took young Kamala on visits to villages to promote education.
Bilingual Background: While in Canada, Kamala attended a French-speaking primary school, which helped her become proficient in French.
First Job: Kamala’s first job was as a supermarket checker in California, showcasing her early drive and work ethic.

Education and Early Career

College Years: Kamala attended Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., where she majored in political science and economics.
Sorority Sister: At Howard, she joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the oldest historically African American sorority.
Law School: After Howard, Kamala attended the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, earning her Juris Doctor degree.
Deputy District Attorney: Kamala began her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she focused on prosecuting cases involving gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse.
Notable Firsts: In 2004, Kamala became the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian person elected as District Attorney of San Francisco.
Reforming the DA’s Office: As District Attorney, she established a groundbreaking program that allowed first-time drug offenders to earn a high school diploma and find employment, rather than serving jail time.
Author: Kamala authored the book Smart on Crime, where she laid out her vision of a more effective criminal justice system focused on preventing crime and reducing recidivism.
Attorney General of California: In 2010, Kamala became the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian person to be elected Attorney General of California.
Consumer Protection: As Attorney General, she won a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners after the foreclosure crisis, one of the largest consumer protection settlements in U.S. history.
Marriage: Kamala married Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer, in 2014. She became stepmother to his two children, Cole and Ella, who affectionately call her “Momala.”

U.S. Senate and Presidential Campaign

U.S. Senate Election: Kamala was elected as a U.S. Senator from California in 2016, becoming the second Black woman and the first South Asian American to serve in the Senate.
Senate Committees: She served on several key committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Interrogation Skills: Kamala gained national attention for her pointed and rigorous questioning during Senate hearings, particularly during the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Presidential Run: In January 2019, Kamala announced her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, with her campaign slogan, “For the People.”
Debate Highlights: During the Democratic debates, Kamala stood out for her strong stance on issues such as criminal justice reform and her memorable confrontation with Joe Biden on the topic of school busing.
Campaign End: Despite initial enthusiasm, Kamala ended her presidential campaign in December 2019 due to a lack of financial resources.
Endorsement of Biden: After ending her campaign, Kamala endorsed Joe Biden and became a vocal supporter of his candidacy.

Vice Presidency and Beyond

Historic Nomination: In August 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala as his running mate, making her the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent on a major party’s presidential ticket.
Election Victory: On November 7, 2020, Kamala made history by being elected as the Vice President of the United States, alongside President Joe Biden.
Vice Presidential Oath: Kamala was sworn in as Vice President on January 20, 2021, by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, using two Bibles—one from her neighbor, Regina Shelton, and the other from civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall.
Focus Areas: As Vice President, Kamala has focused on issues like COVID-19 response, immigration reform, and women’s rights, and has taken the lead on diplomatic missions to address root causes of migration from Central America.
Firsts as VP: Kamala became the first Vice President to preside over a Senate session confirming a Supreme Court Justice (Amy Coney Barrett) and has used her tie-breaking vote multiple times in an evenly split Senate.
Breaking Glass Ceilings: Kamala’s election as Vice President broke one of the highest glass ceilings in American politics, inspiring women and people of color around the world.

Personal Life and Interests

Cooking Enthusiast: Kamala loves to cook and has shared her favorite recipes and cooking tips, especially for dishes like her famous masala dosa and turkey brine.
Music Lover: She has a deep love for music and has cited artists like Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and Aretha Franklin as some of her favorites.
Fitness Routine: Kamala is known for her love of running and yoga, often using exercise as a way to unwind and stay healthy.
Sense of Humor: Known for her warm personality and sense of humor, Kamala often uses laughter and storytelling as a way to connect with people.
Fashion Icon: Kamala’s fashion choices, particularly her Converse sneakers, have become a symbol of her down-to-earth personality and relatable style.
Family Bonding: She often spends time with her family, including her niece, Meena Harris, who is an author and entrepreneur.
Role Model: Kamala’s life and career have made her a role model for young girls and women around the world, showing that barriers can be broken and that dreams are achievable with hard work and perseverance.